Apparatus for the dewatering, classification, and countercurrent washing of solid particles mixed with liquids



N. C. CHRISTENSEN APPARATUS FOR THE DEWATERING,CLASSIFICATION, AND COUNTERGURRENT WASHING OF SOLID PARTICLES MIXED WITH LIQUIDS Filed Jan. 5, 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet l May 1, 1923. 1,453,749

CLASSIFICATION? AND COUNTERCURRENT IQUIDS N. C. CHRISTENSEN APPARATUS FOR THE DEWATERING,

WASHING OF SOLID PARTICLES MIXED WITH L Filed Jan. 5 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Z VVENTOH MCC/vumm,

May 1, 1923. 1,453,749

. N. C. CHRISTENSEN APPARATUS FOR THE DEWATERING,CLASSIFICATION, AND COUNTERCURRENT WASHING OF SOLID PARTICLES MIXED WITH LIQUIDS Filed Jan. 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 [NI/ENTUB 55555 mm 6. Wm

May 1, 1193.

N. C. CHRISTENSEN APPARATUS FOR THE DEWATERING,CLASSIFICATION, AND COUNTERCURRENT WASHING OF SOLID PARTICLES MIXED WITH LIQUIDS Filed Jan. 5 1921 4 Sheets-Sheei 4 [/WEA/TUH Patented May 1923. p I

u rrso NIELS c. CHRISTENSEN, or SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH.

APPARATUS FOR THE DEWATERING, CLASSIFICATION, AND COUNTERCURRENT WASHING OF SOLID PARTICLES MIXED WITH LIQUIDS.

Application filed January 3, 1921. Serial No. 434,606.

dewatering, the classification, and the counter-current washing of solid particles m xed with liquids.

The invention may be used for simple dewatering, i. e. for the removal of settled sands or of settled sands and slimes from a body of liquid. It may also be used for the classification of solid particles having different rates of settling when in suspension It may also be used for the in liquids. counter-current washing of sands, or of slimes, or of a mixture of sands and slimes.

Many of the different forms of apparatus now in use for dewatering' either do not remove from the sands all the entrained water possible, as'for'i-nstance cone dewaterers of different types, or are not suited to this kind of work due to excessive agitation of the solution and cumbersome mechanism, as for instance some of the classifiers with reciprocating rakes. Screw dewaterers either require underwater bearings or are of limited capacity, and the common drag classifier,

' which in principle is most suited for this class of work, is subject to excessive wear due to the dragging of the scrapers and rope or chain in the sand and on the bottom of the apparatus.

It is the object of my invention to furnish a means of dewatering sands or removing settled slime or filtered lumps of slime from liquids with a minimum of entrained water, in an apparatus of large capacity, using a simple mechanism free from excessive wear and with no parts of the driving mechanism in contact with the pulp, and consuming a minimum of power.

The forms of apparatus used for classification are similar to the ones used for dewatering and have the same objections mechanically. Those which are best for dewatering are unsuited for classification and. those which secure the best classification have objectionable mechanical features such as cumbersome reciprocating scraper mechanisms. It is the object of my invention to secure a good classification of the solid particles in suspension in liquids by' means of simple mechanical devices and efiicient arrangements of the various parts of the apparatus. I

The forms of apparatus now commonly used for the counter-current washing of sands are those developed for classification and which are therefore not suited for this class of work, the ordinary arrangement of the apparatus for this purpose being a series of the single machines, an arrangement which is cumbersome and requires excessive room for installation. These apparatus are also entirely unsuited for the counter-current washing of slimes or of mixtures of sands and slimes. It is the object of my invention to provide a simple and compact apparatus for counter-current washing and one which will handle sands or slimes or a mixture of both.

The simplest form of my apparatus is usedfor the dewatering of sands. For classification a few additional features are introduced. For counter-current washing the simplest form of my invention is for the washing of sands and additional featur'es are added for the washin of a mixture of--sands and slimes or of s imes alone.

My invention consists in general of an annular trou h in part of which the pulp is contained. Eegments of the bottom of the trough are above the level of the pulp or solution and segments of the bottom of the trough are beneath the level of the solution and these parts are joined by other gently sloping segments at one end, and by abrupt or backward sloping parts at the other. Drags are arranged to move in the annular path formed by the trough and are arranged so that the lower edge of-the scraper is always just above the bottom beneath it, i. e. so that the scraper moves around the trough just above the bottom but without touching it. For dewatering my apparatus is arranged so that the settled solids are drawn up the sloping bottom out of the water and preferably along a portion of the path to allow draining and are then dis: charged through a slot in the trough or down a sloping plate to one side of the trough. The apparatus may use a single slope or may be divided into a number of separate similar segments and these be run in parallel. The solution or water is decanted through suitable pipes or launders.

For classifying the arrangement is similar to the foregoing except that provision is made for the decantation ofsolids of certain settling rates with the overflow solution and for the washing of the settled particles by means of hydraulic water. In this case also a single slope may be used or the machine may be divided into a number of segments operating in parallel. For counter-current washing the apparatus is divided into a number of similar segments which are op erated in series and through which the sands are dragged in one direction and the solution is caused to flow in the opposite direction. For washing sands alone the simplest -form of apparatus is used, for washing a mixture of sands with a small amount of slimes which can be carried entrained by the sands, a portion of each segment of the apparatus is made into a settling comipartment of the typedescribed in my S. patent application filed December 13, 1920, Ser. No. 430244. For the treatment of mixture of a smaller'proportion of sands with a large proportion of slimes, a portion of each similar segment of the apparatus has a number of filter leaves or tubes suspended therein and the solution is removed through these instead of by decantation' and the pulp dragged out of each compartment in this case is mixed with solution in a special agitating compartment before passing into the next segment of the series.

The description of my invention and the manner of its operation will be made clearer by reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate some of the forms of my apparatus.

Fig. I shows a plan view of the simplest form of the apparatus. Fig. II shows a vertical section on a diameter AA of the apparatus. Fig. III shows a vertical section on the line B-B, the section being shown as along a straight line, the ends being together in the apparatus. Fig. IV shows an arrangement of the mechanism for operating the scrapers. Figs. VII. VIII, IX and X are vertical sections on a line B-B showing the use of the apparatus for classification.

Fig. V shows a plan vie-w of the multiple or parallel arrangement of segments of the apparatus and Fig. VI a vertical section on the line B--B, the section being cut at one place and shown as a straight line. The section on A--A is the same as that in Fig. II. Fig. XI shows section on such a line as segments used for counter-current of sands.

Fig. XII shows a plan view of a segment of the series arrangement for counter-cura straightened vertical B-B of a series of washing rent washing with a settling space shown for settling slimes. Fig XIII is a vertical section on DD, Fig. XIV a sloping section on E-E and Fig. XV a vertical section on B-B.

Fig. XVI is a plan view of a segment of the series arrangement for counter-current washing of slimes showing filters for removing theliquid instead of overflow devices. Fig. XVII shows a vertical section on the line B-B.

The invention consists in general of an annular trough (1), which is used in all the forms of the invention, with a bottom (2), which is at different levels in different segments of the trough and differs in arrangement according to the use to which the invention is to be put. together with a series of scrapers or drags which are arranged radially in the trough (1) and move around the trough being kept at all times at approximately the same distance above the bottom (2) and close to the bottom.

The simplest form of the apparatus (shown in Figs. I, II. and III) has inflow pipes or laundcrs at one point and only one discharge opening or chute The bottom of the trough has a lower approximately horizontal portion ((2) above which the inflow takes place and a sloping portion (7 and S) which slopes upward from the level portion (6) to the discharge opening (5). The sloping portion (7) is beneath the water level (9) and the sloping portion (8) is above the water level (9). The discharge opening (5) cuts the bottom (2) at approximately its highest point. On the side of the discharge openingpr chute (5) opposite to the slope (8) the trough is closed by a vertical end (10) or more rapidly sloping extension of the bottom. The drag-s (3) extend across the trough, i. e. are radial, and are moved around the trough in the direction indicated by the arrow (11). .The bottom of the scrapers or drags are maintained slightly above 'the bottom as they move around the trou h. The movement of the guides may be accomplished by a variety of mechanical means. That shown in the figures is my preferred means. The scrapers are attached to the lower parts of one or more supporting rods (12) and are moved up and down by means of the lifting rod (13) attached to the upper part of the rods (12). The upper part of the lifting rod (13) is attached to a slide or wheel (14) which slides or rolls on the guide rail (15) which is approximately parallel to the bottom (2) and which keeps the bottoms of the scrapers at the required level as they move around the trough. The supportin rods (12) move pp and down in suitable guides or upon suitable guide rollers (16) arranged so as to have as littlefriction as possible. The

the horizontal pulley or wheel (18) which is turned by suitable driving mechanism (19) 1 at the desired speed around the central shaft (20). On the opposite side of the discharge opening and next to or near the opening is the overflow pipe or launder (21).

The method of operation of the apparatus for dewatering sands is as follows: The mixture of sands and water (or solution) enters through the pipe or launder (4) and the sands settle to the bottom and the water or solution overflows through the launder or overflow pipe (21). The driving mechanism (19) turns the wheel (18) supporting the scrapers (3) andmoves them slowly around the trough at the desired speed. The bottoms of the scrapers are maintained at the desired levels, as they move around the trough by means of the stationary guide rail and the lifting rod (13) and slide or wheel (14). As the scrapers move around the trough they drag the settled sand up the sloping bottom (7 and 8) of the trough and discharge it through the discharge slot or opening (5). As'the sands are dragged over the sloping portion (8) of the bottom which is above the water level (9) the excess of water drainsback through the bed of sand beneath the scraper level giving a discharge relatively low in moisture content. In order to prevent blinding of this draining layer (22) of sand, it should be removed and replaced at intervals by lowering a scraper once or more during a revolution and a fresh bed formed by the following scrapers. This maybe done automatically by means of a double guide rail above this portion (8) of the trough and a tripping device on one of the scrapers by which oneof the scraper guides (16) is shunted to thelower guide rail during this portion of its movement around the circle.

The capacity of the apparatus for dewatering will dependon the size of the scrapers and their spacing around the circle. If a large capacity is required a multiple type of apparatus should preferably be used as siown in Figs. V and VI. The apparatus is the same as the one des'ribed in the foregoing except that the trough (1) is divided nto a number of preferably equal and similar segments each having its own inflow pipe (4) and discharge opening (5) and its own level (6) and sloping portions (7 and 8) of bottom all arranged so that all the parts of each segment shall have the same relation to the path of the scrapers as the scrapers pass successively through each one in the circle. In this case each segment acts as a separate dewatering marhineusing common drags and common operating mechanism. The guide rail (15) hopper level (9) or above regulates the up and down movement of the drags through each segment.--""' The operation of\ this multiple form of my apparatus is similar to the single type. The mixture of sand and liquid is fed into each segment through its Inflow pipe or launder (4) and the sands settle and are dragged up the slope (7) and over the draining slope (8) and discharged through the discharge slot or opening (5), and the solution overflows from each of the segments from its outflow pipe or launder (21).

For classification either the single or multiple type of apparatus may be used. F orthis use theapparatus is supplied with a hydraulic classification arrangement shown in Fig. VII by which a very accurate separation of the different classes of suspended particles may be made by proper adjust ments. The apparatus may be used to make either a single separation or classification or a number of separations as desired according to the arrangement used. Two different types of arrangement are shown in section along a line such as A-A or B-B. The device for classification consists of a segment of the trough (1) with a sloping bottom (23) beneath the solution level (9) and a vertical plate (24) extending across the trough at the lower end of (23) forming a of triangular section extendmg across the trough. Along its lower edge the hopper (25) opens into the sorting column (26) through the slot (27) which extends across the trough (1). The narrow sorting column (26) is formed between the vertical plates (28) and (29) which extend across the trough (1). The overflow or lifting part of the column (30) is formed between the plates (24 and 28) and is somewhat narrower than the sorting column (26) so that the velocity of flow in it shall be the same or preferably slightly greater than in the sorting column. On the side of the column (30) opposite to the feed hopper is the overflow launder The plate (28) extends within a short distance of the bottom of thetrough (1) and the plate (29) may extend within a short distance of the bottom or may extend to the bottom. The plate (28) does not extend up to the water level" so that the solution :carrying its burden of sorted particles ma overflow into the discharge launder ,(31). The plate (24) may extend up to the water it or slightly below it according to the conditions of operation. If the pulp fed to the hopper (25) contains very little water, the upper edge of the plate (24) should be at or a little above water level (9) ter may flow-through theslot (27) and hopper (25) into the overflow launder (31). If the pulp fed to (25) has a considerab e amount of water with it the height ofthe so that little or no hydraulic waupper edge of the plate (24) should be regulated so that the water fed to (25) with the ulp will overflow across the upper edge of 24) into the overflow launder (31) but so that there will be no flow of hydraulic water through the slot (27) into the hop-per (25). The hydraulic water for classification is fed into the settling or dewatering space (32) through the slot (33) from the space (34) 'or directly from the pipe (35). If desired a feeding device (36) consisting of a rotating paddle feeder or screw extending across the trough (1) in a suitable launder may be placed at the upper end of the sloping bottom (23) of the hopper as shown in Fig. VH1 to give a uniform feed to the sorting column but for any but very close classification this will be unnecessary. The upper edge of the sloping hopper bottom (23) is next to the discharge end of the drainage and discharge slope (8).

The method of operation of my apparatus for a simple classification is illustrated in its simplest form in Fig. VII. The pulp is fed to the upper-end of the hopper (25) by the feed pipes or launder (4) and the excess of water or solution carrying with it most of the finest particles of soli flows across the upper edge of the plate (24) and overflows into the launder (31). The coarser particles settle to the sloping bottom (23) and flow down it, being uniformly distributed across it by this flow, and through the slot (27 into the sorting column (26). The hydraulic water enters through (33 or 35) and flows up the sorting column (26) and picks up the lighter particles and carries them up through the lifting column (30) into the overflow launder (31). The classification or separation made in the sorting column (26) is regulated by the rate of upward flow of the water in it, which depends upon the width of the column and the volume of hydraulic water, both of which should be made adjustable in the apparatus, the former preferably by the use of filler plates against (28) which may be placed in position or removed to vary the width or thickness of the sorting column, and the latter by suitable valves.

Fig. VIII illustrates a preferred arrangement for a simple classification. The dilute pulp fed into the settling space (32) through the pipe or launder (4) and all but the heaviest particles settle. The lighter particles overflow with the excess of solution through the overflow launder (21). The settled particles together with some entrained water and slimes are dragged up the slopes (7 and 8) and by the drags (3) discharged into the hopper (25) and flow down into the classification or sorting column as described above and the finer par ticles being discharged with hydraulic water through the (26) and lifting sesame (30) columns into the overflow launder (31), and the coarser particles settling through the column (26) into the settling space (32) from which they are dragged up over the slopes (7 and 8) by the drags (3) :(mgl discharged into the discharge open- H10 0 TX shows an arrangement which may be used in multiple or parallel for single classification 'in which each segment merely acts in a manner similar to that described in the case of Fig. VII, the pulp being divided and fed into each segment through the pipes or launders (4) and the solution and fines being discharged from the overflows (31) and the pulp discharged through the discharge openings (5).

Fig. X shows an arrangement of similar segments in series used for a series of successive classifications In this case the pulp enters the first segment (S) of the apparatus through the inflow pipe (4), the excess of water carrying the finest slimes overflowing through the overflow launder or pipe (31) and the settled particles being dragged up over the slopes (7 and 8) by the scrapers and discharged into the second hopper (25) from which the settled particles flow into the settling column (26) where the more slowly settling particles are carried with hydraulic water up through the column (30') into the overflow launder (31) and the coarser or more rapidly settling particles settle out into the second settling space (32) from which they are dragged up the slopes (7 and 8) of the second segment of the series and discharged into the third hopper (25) and then passed through a third classification and so on through the series until the coarsest residue from the successive classifications is discharged through the discharge opening (5) at the end of the series of segments.

Fig. XI illustrates the use of my invention for counter-ourrent washing of sands. The mixture of sands, slimes and pregnant solution is fed into the first segment (9) of the series through the inflow pipe (4). Most of the pregnant solution and slimes overflows through the overflow launder or pipe (21). The sands settle and are dragged up the slope (7 and 8) and over the plate (38) and discharged down the sloping plate (39) into the next segment and so on through the series until discharged through the discharge opening (5). The wash water enters the last segment (F) of the series through the wash inlet pipe (37 and flows in counter current to the sands through the inflowing sands and overflows through the launder (41) and through the pipe (40) (shown dotted) into the next segment. and so on through each segment to the second where this wash water, containing the soluble material carried into the second segment with the settled sands, overflows from the outflow launder (21).

Figs. XII, XIII, XIV, XV, show an arrangement of asingle segment of a series for the counter current washing of a mixture of a large amount of sands with a small amount of slimes. The general arrangement of the series of segments is the same as that shown in Fig. XI, the difference being the added feature consisting of the settling compartment or ompartments (42), for settling the slimes in each segment. These settling compartments are fully described in my U. S. patent application filed December 13. 1920, Per. No. 430,244. The manner of their use in this case is as follows: The clear solution from the succeeding segment of the series enters through the pipe and is mixed with the sands and slimes discharge in the segment of the launder 1) from the plate (39). This solution then flows into the down flow space (43) of the settling compartment (42) through the pipe (or launder) (41) and is distributed laterally through the opening (45) into the sloping settling spaces (44) formed by the sloping plates (46). The settling spaces (44) open into the lower part of the trough (1) as shown in Fig. XIII. The solids in the dilute pulp flowing into the settling spaces (44) settle outon the plates (46) and flow down into the launder (1) through the opening (47) and the clear solution flows upward between the plates (46) and into the outflow space above these plates and is discharged into the next preceding. segment of the series through the pipes (40). The settled slimes are mixed with the sands and dragged into the next succeeding compartment. As will be seen the general operation of this form of my invention is similar to that previously described for washing sands alone.

The arrangement of my invention for the counter current washing of slimes (or a mixture of sands and shmes) is illustrated in Figs. XV and XVI. The general arrangement in this case isthe same as for the washing of sands alone as illustrated in Fig. XI except that the clear-solution is withdrawn from each segment through a vacuum filter medium suspended in each segment instead of being decanted and the clear solution and settled filter cake together with any sands, are mixed in a special agitator before being discharged into the segments. The operation is as follows The settled filter cake and sands from the preceding segment are drawn up the slope (7 and 8, 8 being made very short in this case) and discharged into the mixing compartment (48). The clear solution from the succeeding segment is also discharged into this mixing compartment through the pipes (40). Here the solution and pulp are thoroughly mixed and passed into the separating compartment (32) through the opening (50) and the sands settle and the clear solution is withdrawn through the vacuum filter leaves or tubes (49) and passed onto the mixing compartment of the next precedingsegment. The filter cakes are discharged from the filter leaves or tubes at short intervals and are dragged out of the pulp together with any settled sands and discharged into the mixing compartment of the next succeeding segment of the series. In this way the solids and solution are passed in counter-current through the series of segments composing the apparatus.

It is obvious that my invention may also be used for dewatcring of slimes by the use of the auxiliary settling compartment or filters described in the foregoing. This application will be so apparent from the foregoing that no detailed description is necessary. An arrangement of settling plates and of filter leaves in a slime sand dewaterer is shown in Fig. XVIII.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that my invention has a very wide field of application for dewatering, classification and counter-current washing and that it would therefore be impossible in the sco e of a patent application to cover these in (T33- tail. It will also beapparent that it is impossible to give detail drawings of the many difierent forms of my invention which might be used for different purposes and also that the accompanying drawings are necessarily more or less diagrammatic and show mainly the features necessaryto make the descriptions clear It is also obvious that it is impossible to I disclose the many possible variations in mechanical detail and arrangement of parts which may be used in the construction of my invention. It is also obvious that other combinations of the different parts of my invention than those shown may be used. For these reasons I do not desireto be limited entirely by the foregoing description or accompanying drawings except as they are interpreted in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. The apparatus for dividing a mixture of solid particles and a liquid into separate different parts, which consists of a sector of an annular trough closed at one end only and having a bottom which slopes upward around the circle from a lower level adjacent to said closed end to a higher level at the open end so as to contain a body of liquid in the sector adjacent to said closed end and having an outflow device in last said sector arranged to maintain the surface level of a body of liquid therein below said upper end of said bottom, together with radial scrapers arranged to continuously move horizontally around an annular path substantially parallel to and in horizontal projection within said trough in a direction from said closed end toward said open end and arranged to move vertically in such a manner as to dip into said sector of trough in the lower portion thereof adjacent to said closed end and to maintain a position slightly above the bottom of said trough in moving toward said open end so as to drag material settled out of a body of liquid in above said lower portion of trough up over said sloping bottom and out of said sector of trough at its open upper end, and means for feeding a such above sai mixture into said sector.

2. The apparatus for dividing a mixture of solid particles and a liquid into separate difl'erent parts, which consists of a sector of an annular trough closed at one end only and having a bottom which slopes upward around the circle from a lower level adjacent to said closed end to a higher level at the open end so as to contain a body of liquid in the sector adjacent to said closed end and having an outflow device in last said sector arranged to maintain the surface level of a body of liquid therein below said upper end of said bottom, together with radial scrapers arranged to continuously rnove horizontally around an annular path substantially parallel to and in horizontal projection within said trough in a direction from said closed end toward said open end and arranged to move vertically in such a manner as to dip into said sector of trough in the lower portion thereof adjacent to said closed end and to maintain a position slightly above the bottom of said trough in moving toward said open end so as to drag material settled out of a body of liquid in above said lower portion of trough up over said sloping bottom and out of said sector of trough at its open upper end, and means for feeding a such above said mixture into said sector, all arranged so that whena such above said mixture is continuously fed into said sector of trough that liquid will continuously be discharged from above said outflow device and settled solid particles will be continously dragged out of the body of liquid by above said scrapers and be discharged from above said open upper end.

3. The apparatus for dividing a mixture of solid particles and a liquid into separate ditlerent parts, which consists of a number of similar sectors of an annular trough arranged in a ring with similar parts in the same order around the ring and each one of which sectors is closed at one end only and has a bottom which slopes upward around the circle from a lower level adjacent to said closed end to a higher level at the open end soas to contain a body of liquid in the sector adjacent to said closed end and has an outflow device in last said sector arranged to maintain the surface level of a body of liquid therein below said upper end of said bottom, together with radial scrapers arranged to continuously move horizontally around an annular path substantially parallel to and in horizontal projection within said ring in a direction from said closed ends toward said open ends of said sectors and arranged to move vertically in such a manner as to dip into each one of said sections of trough in the lower portion thereof adjacent to said closed end and to maintain a position slightly above the bottom of said trough in moving toward said open end so as to drag material settled out of a bodyof liquid in above said lower portion of trough up over said sloping bottom and out of said sector of trough at its open upper end, and means for feeding a such above said mixture into each of said sectors.

'4. The apparatus for dividing a mixture of solid particles and a liquid into separate diflerent parts, which consists oi a sector of an annular trough closed at one end only and having a bottom which slopes upward around the circle from a lower level adjacent to said closed end to a higher level at the open end so as to contain a body of liquid in the sector adjacent to said closed end and having an outflow device in last said sector arranged to maintain the surface level of a body of liquid therein below said upper end of said bottom, together with radial scrapers arranged to continuously move horizontally around an annular path substantially parallel to and in horizontal projection within said trough in a direction from said closed end toward said open end and arranged to move vertically in such a manner as to dip into each said sector of trough in the lower portion thereof adjacent to said closed end and to maintain a position slightly above the bottom of said trough in moving toward said open end so as to drag material settled out of a body of liquid in above said lower portion of trough up over said sloping bottom and out of said sector of trough at its open upper end, and means for feeding a such above said mixture into said sector, all arranged so that when a such above saidmixture is continuously fed into each of said sectors of trough will continuously be discharged from each above said outflow device and settled solid particles will be continuously dragged out of the body of liquid in each sector by above said scrapers and be discharged from each above said open upper end.

5.. The apparatus for dividing a mixture of solid particles and'a liquid into separate difi'erent parts, which consists of a sector of an annular trough closed at one end only and having a bottom which slopes upward around the circle from a lower. level adja cent to said closed end to a higher level at the that liquid open end so, as to contain a body of liquid in the sector adjacent to said closed end and having an outflow device in last said sector arranged to maintain the surface levelof a body of liquid therein below said upper end of said bottom and having adjacent to said closed end a feed hopper which opens at its lower edge into a hydraulic sorting column which opens at its lower end into last said sector and is connected at its upper end with above said outflow device, together with radial scrapers arranged to continuously move horizontally around an annular path substantially parallel to and in horizontal projection within said trough in a direction from said closed end toward said open end and arranged to move vertically in such a manner'as to dip into said sector of trough in the lower portion thereof adjacent to said closed end and to maintain a position slightly above the bottom of said trough in moving toward said open end so as to drag material settled out of a body of liquid in above said lower portion of trough up over said sloping bottom and out of said sector of trough at its open upper end. and means for feeding a such above said mixture into said sector, and means for introducing hydraulic water into said sector.

6. The apparatus for dividing a mixture of solid particles and a liquid into separate different parts, which consists of a sector of an annular trough closed at one end only and having a bottom which slopes upward around the circle from a lower level adjacent to said closed end to a higher level at the open end so as to contain a body of liquid in the sector adjacent to said closed end and having an outflow device in last said sector arranged to maintain the surface level of a body of liquid thereinbelow said upper end of said bottom and having adjacent to said closed end a feed hopper which opens at its lower edge into a hydraulic sortingicolumn which opens at its lower end into last said sector and is connected at its upper end with above said outflow device, together with re dial scrapers arranged to continuously move horizontally around an annular path substantially parallel to and in horizontal projection within saidtrough in a direction from said closed end toward said open end and arranged to move vertically in such a manner as to dip into said sector of trough in the lower portion thereof adjacent to said closed end and to maintain a position slightly above the bottom of said trough in moving toward said open end so as to drag material settled out of a body of liquid in above said lower portion of trough up over said sloping bottomand out of said sector of trough at its open upper end, and means for feeding a such above said mixture into said sector and means for introducing hydraulic Water into said sector, all arranged so that rying with it the more slowly settling particles of solid held, in suspension and the more quickly settling particles will settle to the sloping bottom of said hopper and flow into said hydraulic column wherein more slowly settling particles will be continuously carried up by and discharged with hydraulic water through above said overflow 'device and more rapidly settling particles will continuously settle through said sortin column to the bottom of said sector of troug and be continuously dragged out of the body of liquid by above said scrapers and be discharged from above said open upper end.

7. The apparatus for dividing a mixture of solid particles and a liquid into separate different parts, which consists of a number of similar sectors of an annular trough arranged in a ring with similar parts in the same order around the right and each one of Which sectors is closed at one end only and has a bottom which slopes upward around the circle from a lower level adjacent to said closedend to a higher level at the open end so as to contain a body of liquid in the sector adjacent to said closed end and has an outflow device in last said sector arranged to maintain the surface level of a body of liquid therein below said upper end of said bottom and has adjacent to said closed end a feed hopper which opens at its lower edge into a hydraulic sorting column .in such a manner as to dip into each one of said sectors of trough in the lower portion thereof adjacent to said closed end and to maintain a position slightly above the bottom of said trough in moving toward said of a body of liquid in above said lower portion of trough up over said sloping bottom and out of said sector of trough at its open upper end, and means for feeding a such above said mixture into each of said sectors, and means for introducing hydraulic Water into each of said sectors.

8. The apparatus for dividing a mixture of solid particles and a liquid into separate different parts, which consists of a number of similar sectors of an annular trough arranged in a ring with similar parts in the same order around the right and each one open end so as to drag material settled out of which sectors is closed at one end only and has a t bottom which slopes upward around the circle from a lower level adjacent to said closed end to a higher level at the open end so as to contain a body of liquid in the sector adjacent to said closed end and has an outflow device in last said sector arranged to maintain the surface level of a body of liquid therein below said upper end of said bottom and has adjacent to said closed end a feed hopper which opens at its lower edge into a hydraulic sorting column which opens at its lower end into last said sector and is connected at its upper end with above said outflow device, together with radial scrapers arranged to continuously move horizontally around an annular path substantially parallel to and in horizontal projection within said ring in a. direction from said closed ends toward said open ends of said sectors and arranged to move vertically in such a manner as to said sectors of trough in the lower portion thereof adjacent to said closed end and to maintain a position slightly above theibottom of said trough in moving toward said open end so as to drag material settled out ot a body of liquid in above said lower portion of trough up over said sloping bottom and out of said sector or trough at its open upper end, and means for feeding a such above said mixture into each of said sectors, and means for introducing hydraulic water into each of said sectors, all arranged so that when a such above said mixture is continuously fed into each of said hoppers and hydraulic water is continuously introduced into each of above said sectors liquid will continuously be discharged from each of above said outflow devices carrying with it the more slowly settling particles of solid held in suspension and the more quickly settling particles will settle to the sloping bottom of each of said hoppers and flow into each of said hydraulic columns wherein more slowly settling particles will be continuously carried up by and discharged with hydraulic water through above said overflow devices and more rapidly settling particles will continuously settle through said sorting columns to the bottoms of said sectors of trough and be continuously dragged out of the body of, liquid by above said scrapers and be discharged from above said open upper ends of said sectors.

9. The apparatus "for dividing a mixture of solid particles and a liquid into separate diiiercnt parts. which consists of a number of similar sectors of an annular trough arranged in a ring with same order around the ring and each one of which sectors is closed at one 'end only and has a bottom which slopes upward around the circle from a lower level adjacent to said closed end to a higherlevel at the open end dip into each one of I similar parts in. theso as to contain a bod of liquid in the sector adjacent to said c osed end and has an outflow device in last said sector arranged to maintainthe surface level of a body of liquid therein below said upper end of said bottom and each alternate sector having adjacent to said closed end a feed hopper which opens at its lower edge. into a hydraulic sorting column which opens at its lowerend into last said sector and is connected at its upper end with above said outflow device, together with radial scrapers arranged to continuously move horizontally around an annular path substantially parallel to and in "horizontal projeition within said ring in adi- I rection from said closed ends toward said open ends of said sectors and arranged to move vertically in such a manner asto dip into each one of said sectors of trough in the lower portion thereof adjacent to said closedend and to maintain a position slightlyabove the bottom of said trough in moving toward said open end so as to drag material settled out of a body of liquid in above said lower portion of trough up over said sloping bottom and out of said sector of trough at its open upper end, and means for feeding a such above said mixture into each of said sectors having no sorting'colu-mn. and means "for introducing hydraulic water into each of said sectors havinga sorting olumn.

10. llhe apparatus for dividing amixturc of solid particles and a liquid into separate different parts, which consists of a number of similar sectors of an annular trough arranged ina ring with similar parts in the same order around the ring and each one of which sectors is closed at one end only and has a bottom which slopes upward around the circle from a lower level adjacent to said, closed end to a higher level at the open end so as to contain a body of liquid in the.

sector adjacent to said closed end and has an outflow device in last said sector arranged to maintain the surface level of a body of liquid therein below said upper end of said bottom and each alternate sector having adjacent to said closedend a feed hopper which opens at itslower edge into a hydraulic sorting column which opens at its and is conlower end into last said sector nected at its upper end with above said outflow device, together with :radial scrapers arranged to continuously move horizontally around an annular path substantially parallel to and in horizontal projection within said ring in a direction from said closed end towardv said open ends of said sectors and arranged to move vertically in.

such a manner as to dip into each one of said sectors of trough in the lower portion thereof adjacent to said closed end and to maintain a position slightly above the bottom ofsaid trough in moving toward said open end so as to drag material settled out ltlO of a body of liquid in above said lower portion of trough up over said sloping bottom and out of said sector of trough at its open upper end, and means for feeding a such above said mixture into each of said sectors having no sorting column, means for introducing hydraulic water into each of said sectors having a sorting column, all arranged so .that when a such above said mixture is continuously fed into each of said sectors having no sorting column and hydraulic water is continuously fed to the sectors having a sorting column liquid will be continuously discharged from the overflows of sectors without said columns carrying with it more slowing settling particles held in suspension and the more quickly settling particles will settle to the bottoms of last said sectors and will be continuously dragged out of the body of liquid by above said scrapers and be discharged from the upper ends of said sectors into-the feed hoppers of the adjoining sectors and will settle therein and flow down the bottoms thereof into the said sorting columns wherein more slowly settling particles will be continuously carried up by anddischarged with hydraulic water through the overflows connected with said columns and more rapidly settling particles will continuously settle through said sorting columns to the bottom of said sectors of trough and be continuously dragged out of the body of liquid by above said scrapers and be discharged from above said open ends of last said sectors.

11. The apparatus for dividing a mixture of solid particles and a liquid into separate different parts, which consists of a number of similar sectors of an annular trough arranged in a ring with similar parts in the same order around the ring and each one of which sectors is closed at one end only and has a bottom which slopes upward around the circle from a lower level adjacent to said closed end to a higher level at the open end so as to contain a body of liquid in the sector adjacent to said closed end and has an outflow device in last said sector arranged to maintain'the surface level of a body of liquid therein below said upper end of said bottom and has adjacent to said closed end a feed hopper which opens at its lower edge into a hydraulic sorting column which opens at its lower end into last said sector and is connected at its upper end with above said outflow device, together with radial scrapers arranged to continuously move horizontally around an annular path substantially parallel to and in horizontal vprojection within said ring in a direction from said closed ends toward said open ends of said sectors and arranged to move vertically in such a manner as to dip into each one of said sectors of trough in the lower portion thereof adjacent to said closed end and to maintain a position slightly above the bottom of said trough in moving toward said open-endso as to drag material settled out ofa body of liquid in above said lower portion of trough up over said sloping bottom and out of said sector of trough at its open upper end, and means for feeding a such above said mixture into the first sector of said series means for introducing hydraulic water into each of said sectors.

12. The apparatus for dividinga mixture of solid particles and a liquid into separate different parts, which consists of a number of similar sectors of an annular trough arranged in a ring with similar parts in the same order around the ring and each one of which sectors is closed at one end only and has a bottom which slopes upward around the circle from a lower level adjacent to said closed end to a higher level at the open end so as to contain a body of liquid in the sector adjacent to said closed end and has an outflow device in last said sector arranged to maintain the surface level of a body of liquid therein below said upper end of said bottom and has adjacent to said closed end a feed hopper which opens at its lower edge into a hydraulic sorting column which opens at its lower end into last said sector and is connected at its upper end with above said outflow device, together with radial scrapers arranged to continuously move horizontally around an annular path substantially parallel to and in horizontal projection within said ring in a direction from said closed ends toward said open ends of said sectors and arranged to move vertically in such a manner as to dip into each one of said sectors of trough in the lower portion thereofadjacent to said closed endand to maintain a position slightly above the bottom of said trough in moving toward said open end so as to drag material settled out of a body of liquid in above said lower portion of trough up over said sloping bottom and out of said sector of trough at its open upper end, and means for feeding a such above said mixture into the first sector of said series means for introducing hydraulic water into each of said sectors, all arranged so that when a such above said mixture is continuously fed U into the feed hopper of said first one of said series and hydraulic water is continuously introduced into above said sectors liquid Wlll continuously be discharged from theoverflow .of above said first sector of said series carrying with it the more slowly settling particles of solid held in suspension and the more quickly settling articles will settle to the sloping bottom 0 said hopper of said first sector and flow into the sorting column of said first sector wherein more slowly settling particles will be continuously carried up by and discharged with hydraulic water through above said overflow from said sector and more rapidly settling particles will continuously settle through said sorting column to the bottom of said sector of trough and be continuously dragged out of the body of liquid by above said scrapers and be discharged from above said open upper end into the feed hopper of the next sector of the series and so on through each sector of the series until the residue from such successive separations is discharged from the last sector of the series.

13. The apparatus for dividing a mixture of solid particles and a liquid into separate difierent parts, which consists of a series of similar sectors of an annular trough arranged in a ring with similar parts in the same order around the ring and each one of which sectors is closed at one end only and has a bottom which slopes upward around the circle from a lower level adjacent to said closed end to a higher level at the open end so as to contain a body of liquid in the sector adjacent to said closed end and having an outflow device in last said sector adjacent to said closed end arranged to maintain the surface level of a body of liquid therein below said upper end of said bottom, together with radial scrapers arranged to continuously move horizontally around an annular path substantially parallel to and in horizontal projection within said ring in a direction from said closed ends toward said open ends of said sectors and arranged to move vertically in such a manner as to dip into each one of said sectors of trough in thelower portion thereof adjacent to said closed end and to maintain a position slightly above the bottom of said trough in moving toward said open end so as to drag material settled out of a body of liquid in above said lower portion of trough up over said sloping bottom and out of said sector of trough at its open upper end, and means for feeding a such above said mixture into the first sector of said series, means for introducing wash liquid into the last sector of the series, means for introducing the overflow liquid from each sector, except above said first sector of the series into the sector adjacent to the closed end of each said sector.

14. The apparatus for dividing a mixture of solid articles and a liquid into separate different parts, which consists of a series of similar sectors of'an annular trough arranged in a ring with similar parts in the same order around the ring and eachone of which sectors is closed at one end only and has a bottom which slopes upward around the circle from. a lower level adjacent to said closed end to a higher level at the open end so as to contain a body of liquid in the sector adjacent to said closed end and having an outflow device in last said sector adjacent to said closed end arranged to maintain the surface level of a body of liquid therein below said upper end of said bottom, together with radial scrapers arranged to continuously move horizontally around an annular path substantially parallel to and in horizontal projection within said ring in a direction from said closed end toward said open ends of said sectors and arranged to move vertically in such a manner as to dip into each one of said sectors of trough in the lower portion thereof adjacent to said closed end and to maintain a position slightly above the bottom of said trough in moving toward said open end so as to drag material settled out of a body of liquid in above said lower portion of trough up over said sloping bottom and out of said sector of trough at its open upper-end, and means for feeding a such above said mixture into the first sector of said series, means for introducing wash liquid into the last sector of the series. means for introducing the overflow liquid from each sector except above said first sector of the series into the sector adjacent to the closed end of each said sector. all arranged so that when relatively rapidly settling solid particles are continuously fed into said first sector of the series and wash liquid is continuously fed into the said last sector of the series the solids will settle in first said sector and be dragged out of the body of liquid therein by above said scrapers and discharged into the next sector of the series and so on successively through each sector of the series and finally be discharged from. said last sector of the series and solution will flow successively through each sector from the said land sector to said first sector of the series and be discharged therefrom.

15. The apparatus for dividing a mixture of solid particles and a liquid into separate different parts, which consists of a sector of an annular trough closed at one end only and having a bottom which slopes upward around the circle from a lower level adjacent to said closed end to a higher level at the open end so as to contain a body of liquid in the sector adjacent to said closed end and having an outflow devi-e in last said sector adjacent to said closed end arranged to maintain the surface level of a body of liquid therein below said upper end of said bottom and having a settling compartment connected with last said outflow device arranged to allow an overflow of liquid therefrom and underflow of slimes therefrom into said sector. together with radial scrapers arranged to continuously: move horizontally around an annular path substantially parallel to and in horizontal projection within said trough in a direction from said closed end toward said open end and arranged to move vertically in such a manner as to dip into said sector of trough in the lower portion thereof adjacent to said closed end and to maintain a position slightly above the bottom of said trough in moving toward said open end so as to drag material settled out of a body of liquid 1n above said lower portion of trough up over said sloping bottom and out of said sector of trough at its open upper end, and means for feeding a such above said mixture into said sector.

16. The apparatus for dividing a IIllX- ture of solid particles and a liquid into separate different parts, which consists of a sector of an annular trough closed at one end only and having a bottom which slopes upward around the circle from a lower level adjacent to said closed end to a higher level at the open end so as to contain a body of liquid in the sector adjacent to said closed end and having an outflow device in last said sector adja'ent to said closed end arranged to maintain the surface level of a body of liquid therein below said upper end of said bottom and having a settling compartment connected with last said outflow device arranged to allow an overflow of liquid therefrom and an underflow of slimes therefrom intosaid sector, together with radial scrapers arranged to continuously move horizontally around an annular path substantially parallel to and in horizontal projection within said trough in a direction from said closed end toward said open end and arranged to move vertically in such a manner as to dip into said sector of trough in the lower portion thereof adjacent to said closed end and to maintain a position slightly above the bottom of said trough in moving toward said open end so as to drag material settled out of a body of liquid in above said lower portion of trough up over said sloping bottom and out of said sector of trough at its open upper end, and means for feeding a such above said mixture into said sector, all arranged so that when a such above said mixture is continuously fed into said sector of trough that liquid will continuously be discharged from above said outflow device and settled solid particles will be continuously dragged out of the body of liquid by above said scrapers and be discharged from above said open upper end. 17. The apparatus for dividing a mixture of solid particles and a liquid into separate different parts. which consists of a series of similar sectors of an annular trough arranged in a ring with similar parts in the same order around the ring and each one of which sectors is closed at one end only and has a bottom which slopes upward around the circle from a lower level adjacentto said closed end to a higher level at the open end so as to contain a body of liquid in the sector adjacent to said closed end and having an outflow device in last said sector adjacent to said closed end arranged to maintain the surfacelevel of a body of liquid therein below said upper end of said bottom and has a settling compartment connected with last said outflow device arranged to allow an overflow of liquid therefrom and underflow of slimes therefrom into said sector; together with radial scrapers arranged to continuously move horizontally around an annular path substantially parallel to and in horizontal projection within said ring in a direction from said closed ends toward said open ends of said sectors and arranged to move vertically in such a manner as to dip into each one of said sectors of trough in the lower portion thereof adjacent to said closed end and to maintain a position slightly above the bottom of said trough in moving toward said open end so as to-drag material settled out of a body of liquid in above said lower por-' tion of trough up over said sloping bottom and out of said sector of trough at its open upper end; and means for feeding a such above said mixture into the first sector of said series; means for introducing wash liquid into the last sector of the series; means for introducing the overflow liquid from each sector, except above said first sector of the series, into the sector adjacent to the closed end of each said sector.

18. Theapparatus for dividing a mixture of solid particles and a liquid into separate different parts, which consists of a series of similar sectors of an annular trough arranged in a ring with similar parts in the same order around the ring and each one of which sectors is closed at one end only and has a bottom which slopes upward aroundthe circle from a lower level adjacent to said closed end to a higher level at the open end so as to contain a body of liquid in the sector adjacent to said closed end and having an outflow device in last said ,sector adjacent to said closed end arranged to maintain the surface level of a body of liquid therein below said upper end of said bottom and has a settling compartment connected with last said outflow device arranged to allow an overflow of liquid therefrom and an underflow of slimes therefrom into said sector; together with radial scrapers arranged to continuously move horizontally around an annular path substantially parallel to and in horizontal rojection within said ring in a direction rom said 'closed ends toward. said open ends of said sectors and arranged to move vertically in such a manner as to dip into each one of said sectors of trough in the lower portion thereof adjacent to said closed end and to maintain a position slightly above the bottom of said trough in moving toward said open end so as to drag material settled out of a body of liquid in above said lower portion of trough up over said sloping bottom and out of said sector of trough at its open upper end; and means for feeding a such above saidmixtureinto the first sector of said series; means for introducing wash liquid into the last sector of the series; means for introducing the overflow liquid from each sector, except above said first sector of the series, into the sector adjacent to the closed end of each said sector; all arranged so that when a mixture of solid particles is continuously fed into said first sector of the series and wash liquid is continuously fed into the said last sector of the "series the solids will settle in first said sector and be dragged out of the body of liquid therein by above said scrapers and be discharged into the next sector of the series and so on successively through each sector of the series and finally be discharged from said last sector of the series and solution will fiow successively through each sector from the said last sector to said first sector of the series and be discharged therefrom.

19. The apparatus for dividing a mixture of solid particles and a liquid into separate different parts, which consists of a sector of an annular trough closed at one end only and having a bottom which slopes upward around the circle from a lower level adjacent to said closed end to a higher level at the open end so as to contain a body of liquid in the sector adjacent to said closed end and having a vacuum filter medium in said sector arranged to be immersed in and to withdraw liquid from the pulp in said sector and to discharge filter cakes in said sector, together with radial scrapers arranged to continuously move horizontally around an annular path substantially parallel to and in horizontal projection within said trough in a direction from said closed end toward said open end and arranged to move vertically in such a manner as to dip into said sector of trough in the lower portion thereof adjacent to said closed end and to maintain a position slightly above the bottom of said trough in moving toward said open end so as to drag material settled out of a body of liquid in above said lower portion of trough up over said sloping bottom and out of said sector of trough at its open upper end, and means for feeding a such above said mixture into said sector.

20. The apparatus for dividing a mixture of solid particles and a liquid into separate different parts, which consists of a sector of an annular trough closed at one end only and having a bottom which slopes upward around the circle from a lower level adjacent to said closed end to a higher level at the open end so as to contain a body of liquid in the sector adjacent to said closed end and having a vacuum filter medium in said sector arranged to be immersed in and to withdraw liquid from the pulp in said sector and to discharge filter cakes in said sector, together with radial scrapers arranged to continuously move horizontally around an annular path substantially parallel to and in horizontal projection within said trough in a direction from said closed end toward said open end and arranged to move vertically in such a manner as to dip into said sector of trough in the lower portion thereof adjacent to said closed end and to maintain a position slightly above the bottom of said trough in moving toward said open end so as to drag material settled out of a body of liquid in above said lower portion of trough up over said sloping bottom and out of said sector of trough at its open upper end, and means for feeding a such above said mixture into said sector, all arranged so that when a such above said mixture is continuously fed into said sector of trough that liquid will continuously be discharged from above said outflow device and settled solid particles will be continuously dragged out of the body of liquid in said sector by above said scrapers and be discharged from above said open end.

21. The apparatus for dividing a mixture of solid particles and a liquid into separate different parts, which consists of a series of similar sectors of an annular trough arranged in a ring with similar parts in the same order around the ring and each one of which sectors is closed at one end only and has a bottom which slopes upward around the circle from a lower level adjacent to said closed end to a higher level at the open end so as to contain a body of liquid in the sector adjacent to said closed end and has a vacuum filter medium in said sector arranged to be immersed in and to withdraw liquid from the pulp in said sector and to discharge filter cakes in said sector and has a mixing compartment opening into said sector near its closed end and connected with the upper end of the sector adjacent to last said closed end with means therein for mixing filter cake and solution; together with radial scrapers arranged to continuously move horizontally around an annular path substantially parallel to and in horizontal projection within said ring in a direction from said closed ends toward said open ends of said sectors and arranged to move vertically in such a manner as to dip into each one of said sectors of trough in the lower portion thereof adjacent to said closed end and to maintain a position slightly above the bottom of said trough in moving toward said open end so as to drag material settled out of a body of liquid in above said lower portion of trough up over said sloping bottom and out of said sector of trough at its open upper end; and

the mixing chamber of the sector adjacent to the closed end of each said sector.

22. The apparatus for dlviding a mixture .of solid particles and a liquid into. separate difl'erent parts, which consists of a series of similar sectors of an annular trough arranged in a ring with similar parts in the same order around tlie ring and each one of.

which sectors is closed at one end only and has a bottom which slopes upward around the circle from a lower level adjacent to said closed end to a higher level at the open end so as to contain a body of liquid in the sector adjacent to said closed end and has a vacuum filter medium in said sector arranged to be immersed in and to withdraw liquid from the pulp in said sector and to discharge filter cakes in said sector and has a mixing compartment opening into said sector near its closed end and connected with the upper end of the sector adjacent to last said closed end with means therein for mixing filter cake and solution; together with radial scrapers arranged to con tinuously move horizontally around an annular path substantially parallel to and in horizontal projection within said ring in a direction from said closed ends toward said open ends of said sectors and arranged to move vertically in such a manner as to dip into each one of said sectors of trough in the lower portion thereof adjacent to said closed end and to maintain a position slightly above the bottom of said trough in moving toward said open end so as to drag material settled out of a body of liquid in above said lower portion of trough up over said sloping bottom and out of said sector oftrou h at its open upper end; and means for fee ing a suchabove said mixture into the mixing compartment opening into the first sector of said series; means for introducing Wash liquid into the mixing compartment opening into the last sector of the series; means for introducing the liquid from the filter medium in each sector, except the one in said first sector of the series, into the mixing chamber of the sector adjacent to the closed end of each said sector; all arranged so that when a mixture of a liquid and finely divided solid particles are continuously fed into said first sector of the series 'and wash liquid is continuously fed into the said last sector of the series the solids will be filtered and settled in first said sector and be dragged out of the body of liquid therein by above said scrapers and discharged into the mixing chamber of the next sector of the series and so on successively through each sector of the series and finally be discharged from said last sector of the series and solution will flow successively through mixing compartment and filter in each sector from the said last sector to said first sector of the series and be discharged therefrom.

NIELS o. CHRISTENSEN. 

